The road safety implications of being distracted by a phone conversation or
text message are highlighted by new research.

Almost 40 per cent of drivers in the UK admit to prioritising their social life via mobile phone over the safety of themselves and other road users.

According to research by confused.com, nearly half of drivers ensure that they can see their phone while they are driving, with 27 per cent admitting to logging on to Facebook on the move. When they're stuck in traffic, 15 per cent of respondents say they catch up on their work calls or emails, while 21 per cent update their status while stopped at a red light.

More than one fifth (23 per cent) admitted to checking their phone every 15 minutes or more while almost half (45 per cent) get agitated when they receive calls or texts while they are driving.

Although three quarters of drivers say they are aware of the penalty for using a hand-held phone, 60 per cent still answer their phone while driving. However, more than 50 per cent supported the idea of a harsher penalty for doing so.

Adrian Walsh, director of road safety campaigner RoadSafe, said: "It's a frightening thought that people are checking their smartphones while driving. Many studies from across the world prove that drivers using phones are slower to respond than those who are just over the drink-drive limit. It is dangerous to use a phone – even hands-free – when driving."

To encourage a reversal in the trend, confused.com has teamed up with the iPhone app called DriveSafe.ly which relays email, SMS, Facebook and Twitter messages aloud, allowing drivers to concentrate on the road and stop texting while driving. It costs £8.95.